Blue plaque unveiled to honour Sutton Hoo archaeologist
Basil Brown discovered the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939
Last updated 10th May 2023
A blue plaque has been revealed in a Suffolk village, to honour the man who discovered the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo.
Basil Brown, who lived in Rickinghall for over 40 years, discovered what's now one of the county's biggest tourist attractions almost exactly 84 years ago.
The grave, thought to be the final resting place of an Anglo-Saxon king, is now known as one of the most important archaological sites in Europe.
An excavation led by Brown yieled a range of finds, including a sword, coins, a shield and the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet.
Brown, who was self taught, excavated the Sutton Hoo site between 1938 and 1939. His life has been dramatised in the film The Dig, starring Ralph Fiennes.
Quatrefoil, a local history group, was behind the installation of the blue plaque.
Sarah Doig, Chair of Quatrefoil, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we now have such a visible recognition of our most famous resident."
"Basil is fondly remembered in the neighbourhood by all who knew him, and we are all proud of his many archaeological achievements.
"He was always generous with his time and expertise, inspiring the younger generation’s interest in archaeology and local history.”